10.17.2011

Despite my hectic, I-go-to-school-and-have-two-jobs-and-an-internship schedule, I've managed to sneak in a few lighthearted moments of fun. Of course, I've taken photos of my adventures. In the vein of my previous "I Spy..." post, the snapshots are in a loosely organized fashion.

Happy Monday!

Order numbers at El Taquito in Round Rock:1941 is one of my favorite films!

10.10.2011

I am a terrible blogger: I attended Gagarazzi nearly two weeks ago, and I still haven't found time to write a post before now. For shame!

Can I blame it on the first week of classes and working double-shifts?

Does a video from Gagarazzi make up for my procrastination?

Yes? No? Maybe?

Either way, Gagarazzi was a drop-dead gorgeous night, filled with a nonstop, good-vibes-all-around energy that I would only expect in Austin. Despite not knowing half of the Lady Gaga songs I heard, I had a jolly good time. From the costumes to the raffle prizes, the Lady Gaga-themed benefit was 100% a success.

Thanks to local bloggers and other local news outlets, Gagarazzi attracted over 600 partygoers! If it wasn't for my media pass, I wouldn't have been able to get in--the venue was packed. The Lady Gaga-themed benefit for Equality Texas raised nearly $2,500, as well. How impressive is that? A big congrats to the crew over at Homespun Horror, as they pulled off one heck of an event that I hope the city of Austin never forgets! Feel free to relive the Gaga magic that occurred at The Highball through my photos.

10.02.2011

First, I would like to thank everyone for their encouraging comments regarding the (upcoming) final quarter of my undergrad career. My diligence throughout the Summer Quarter has paid off, and now I can say I earned B's in all of my science classes.

Second, since writing my last post, I feel as if everything has happened.

For instance, I now have a roommate, who owns a bunny rabbit named Marley. When you consider that I also have a medium-sized mutt, my apartment's been a little cramped, I've been a little stressed, and I spent my entire Autumn Break moving furniture around when I wasn't at work.

Womp, womp, womp (I strongly dislike complaining, so whenever I do make a complaint, I imagine the Teacher Noise from Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang. Strange? Maybe.).

On to my final point, and what this post is truly about: I consider the following to be a unique brand that I trust y'all will like.

I mentioned Tortoise & Blonde a few posts back, as they were hosting events in Austin during the Austin City Limits Music Festival. A couple Wednesdays ago, I had a lovely chat with Evan Weisfeld, one of the founders of Tortoise & Blonde.

Mr. Evan Weisfeld, putting the "son" in "father-and-son team".

The meeting, which took place at Jo's Coffee (1300 South Congress) was a crash-course in the beginnings of Tortoise & Blonde, as well as eyewear lingo. Here are a few of the highlights:

-- Tortoise & Blonde was founded by three people: Dr. Steven Weisfeld, who has practiced optometry for over thirty years; Evan Weisfeld, Dr. Weisfeld's son who recognized the market's need for affordable, stylish eyewear; and Phil Cobucci, who as a long-time patient of Dr. Weisfeld's and founder of BAM! Solutions has played a major role in the brand's marketing strategy.

--Tortoise & Blonde's products, though manufactured in the same factory as sought-after fashion frames, is remarkably well-priced. Their motto is "one today, another tomorrow", meaning that your glasses are as integral to your personality as any other visual trait (e.g. hairstyle). If you choose to switch it up, you shouldn't have to worry about breaking bank, as T&B's frames and prescription lenses start at $97.

The Quincy in "Black Cherry".

--The numbers on the inside of the temple actually mean something! For example, on this pair of Quincy sunglasses, there's a 50, followed by a square, and then 19-145. Those numbers are measurements in milimeters for (1. the "box" size, the width of each lens measured at the widest point across; (2. the "bridge" size or the distance between the lenses, this measurement is sometimes abbreviated to DBL as in Distance Between Lenses; (3. the length of the temple.

--Tortoise & Blonde believes in the power of the consumer, and what consumers want is a variety of choices: many of T&B's frames come in three different "colorways" or color schemes, and within that, many styles are "double-laminated", or two-toned. What does that mean exactly? The outside of the frame is a different color than the inside. So you could totally be rockin' a black frame, but the inside could be cherry. How slinkster cool is that? Pretty rad, if you ask me. They also offer a generous selection of styles for both men and women.

--The brains behind Tortoise & Blonde are inspired by their everyday adventures and travels, and it shows in their naming of styles. The style names are a tribute to the unique (The Laurel is named after Laurel Canyon, a neighborhood canyon in Los Angeles), the iconic (Sunset takes its name from Sunset Boulevard, also in Los Angeles), and even the classic, as such is the case with Nottingham ( a city in England).

The Quincy in "Black Cherry".

Once I get a new prescription for glasses, you bet I'm going to get a pair of glasses from Tortoise & Blonde. I just can't decide between the Sunset in "Black & Blue" and said-frames in "T&B". Now that I've done a slew of outfit posts, y'all know what colors I generally wear. Which colorway do you think I should get?